I Am The True Villainess (Editing)

05

I sat in my study, reading a couple of books and jotting down some notes as I wait for father to call for me. Adjusting the rectangular glasses on my face, I can't help but hum at what Ludin said earlier.

"That's what being me gets you." He winks subtly.

If I'm interpreting this correctly, he has to be someone important. I mean, why else would he be able to interrupt and directly oppose one of the strongest dukes in the kingdom? Even if it's something as minor as business matters.

I don't see a Ghasting family in the noble book though. Neither do I see a "Zach." I roll my eyes in realization they both might have code names. But even then, I should be able to identify them by the pictures, no?

There is Zachni Henry Godfrey, but there isn't a picture so I can't quite guarantee it's him. It says he's a prince, the prince of this kingdom here. If I recall correctly, he's soon to court a wife and take over the throne immediately after. His father is a strict man when it comes to that, Yognir Godfrey, a man who has killed and ruled all his life without fail.

What I did come across in my studies is that the use of Magic is very strictly used in the Western Kingdom, which means you could really get beheaded if you use it without just means or a license. On top of that, being able to sense my mana is damn near impossible for the average Western Kingdom Citizen, since the practice of Magic is also prohibited unless permission is given directly from the Pope.

Sensing my mana would mean you have to be somewhat familiar with magic, which would mean you'd have to practice it, which would mean you're either wanted for going against the Church, or you're an ally of the Church. Alongside that, in order to have mana, there would need to be some sort of awakening, and that usually occurs while practicing to get mana.

Yet the Royal family is automatically exempt from that rule, therefore if you have Royal blood you may practice mana as much as you please. I doubt that to a certain degree, though, as mana itself is a dangerous practice to fiddle with without proper training. With a hand to my chin, I hum. That means they have to be professionally trained..

Point is, you're not supposed to have mana.

So then, that Zach guy is definitely dangerous. Way too many churches in fiction is toxic and manipulative, and if he goes against the church then that would mean he has no sense of danger. Musif clearly stated that he was on the run, so I don't have to worry about him being a church boy. I roll my eyes at the thought of Musif. He still didn't completely get rid of my fever.

We also can't eliminate the possibility they're of Royal blood. I doubt Musif is, but Zach... too many fingers are pointing at the fact he's the prince.

While they're dangerous, I understand why I almost died the other day. I'm not supposed to have mana that smells like this, even more so not have mana at all. I need to learn as quickly as possible how to hide it.

Though, it says here that there are very strong mages that are just below the Pope in terms of political power...

Feeling a headache arising from too many questions instead of answers, I push the matter in the back of my head and take a bite from the fresh strawberries my maid picked for me.

She was also quick to put down her brother's address, along with an information broker. I giggle at the thought of her rushing to get my tasks done. Maybe I should treat her...

I flinch at a knock on my door, raising my head and waiting for Jackie to identify herself, only for it to be silent. "Who is it?" I keep my voice cold and demanding, hand clutching quill in hopes it would be a nice weapon for defense.